Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed is the largest exhibition about the ancient Maya ever to be displayed in the United States. Through a combination of never-before-seen artifacts, hands-on activities, and immersive environments—including re-creations of an underworld cave, the starry night sky, and a vibrantly colored mural room—visitors will explore the rise and eventual decline of this fascinating culture’s ancient cities.

Whales: Giants of the Deep

Opens Friday, October 10

Whales: Giants of the Deep brings visitors closer than ever to some of the mightiest, most massive, and mysterious mammals on Earth. Featuring life-size models, interactive exhibits, and more than 20 stunning whale skulls and skeletons, the family-friendly exhibition reveals the history of the close relationship between humans and whales, from the traditions of Maori whale riders to the whaling industry to the rise of laws protecting whales from commercial hunters. This exhibition is developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Traveling the Silk Road

Opens Friday, November 21

This exhibition is an engaging journey along the greatest trading route in history—the legendary Silk Road. Explore the ancient cities of Asia and the Middle East between AD 600 and 1200, where spectacular sights, exquisite silks, and rousing stories were in abundance. Learn about silk worms spinning cocoons, the raucous night markets, the ancient crafts of paper-making and glassblowing, and the trusty form of transportation along the route, the camel. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with the ArtScience Museum, Singapore; Azienda Speciale Palaexpo, Roma, Italy and Codice. Idee per la cultura srl, Torino, Italy; the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australia and Art Exhibitions Australia; and the National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan and United Daily News, Taipei, Taiwan.

PHIPPS IMAX THEATER

Jerusalem 3D

Opens Friday, February 14

Filmed for the first time for the giant screen, Jerusalem 3D immerses audiences in one of the world’s most beloved cities. Discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home, and follow the path of archaeologists revealing some of the mysteries of the Old City. Rare and breathtaking footage of the Holy Land make this a stunning cinematic experience.

Journey to the South Pacific 3D

Opens Friday, February 14

Take a breathtaking adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. Follow a young island boy on a journey of discovery where you will encounter an exotic locale with whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures of the sea. An uplifting story of hope and celebration, Journey to the South Pacific 3D highlights the importance of living in balance with the ocean planet we all call home.

Pandas 3D: A Journey Home

Opens Friday, June 6

Travel to the lush, mystical Wolong National Nature Reserve in China and venture behind closed doors at the Conservation and Research Center for the Wild Panda. The filmmakers’ unprecedented access reveals the secrets of panda breeding and discovers that the Chinese are on the brink of achieving an extraordinary environmental turnaround. You will be unable to resist these endearing animals as they tackle the challenge of being reintroduced to the wild.

SCFD COMMUNITY FREE DAYS

The Museum is offering 12 Community Free Days in 2014, made possible by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. For more information, click here.

Monday, January 13

Sunday, February 2

Sunday, March 2

Sunday, April 13

Saturday, April 26 (Día de los Niños)

Monday, June 2

Monday, June 30

Sunday, July 20

Monday, September 8

Sunday, September 28

Monday, October 27

Monday, December 1

It’s really worth a visit to the museum’s main site, where you can easily plan your visit, view more upcoming exhibitions (as well as a complete list of permanent exhibits) at their website below:

Fun for all ages, this museum is one of many reasons why to visit the Mile High City. We highly recommend a visit, especially if you’re someone who considers themselves (or someone they’re travelling with) to have an “inner nerd” – that inner nerd will be satisfied many times over with just one visit to the Denver Museum of Science & Nature.